Usyk v Fury 2: Bernard Hopkins backs Oleksandr Usyk to beat Tyson Fury again in rematch, by a 'mercy call' stoppage
By Matt Jones
Updated 09/12/2024 at 09:12 GMT
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Oleksandr Usyk will meet Tyson Fury in their hotly-anticipated rematch next month. The Ukrainian won the initial contest, which took place in May, by split decision after the bout went the full 12 rounds. Former world champion Bernard Hopkins believes the 37-year-old will be able to get the job done much quicker this time around, though, predicting a "mercy" stoppage by the referee.
Usyk asks Fury to sign photo from first fight
Video credit: TNT Sports
Bernard Hopkins is not giving Tyson Fury any chance of winning his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk next month.
The pair will step into the ring for a second time on Saturday, December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - live on TNT Sports Box Office and discovery+.
The initial bout was a close contest, as it went the distance and saw both enjoying moments of supremacy as the momentum shifted between the two.
It was the Ukrainian who won on the scorecards, although only by split decision, becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world in the process.
The second fight is looming large and Hopkins believes the rematch will not be as close.
The former two-weight champion of the world told Fight Hub TV that Usyk will be much stronger, now that he has the experience of having previously stepped into the ring with Fury.
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"I think the smaller guy is really the big guy in heart and the big guy in talent," he said.
Hopkins feels Usyk will be helped by being smaller in stature than Fury: "I believe Usyk has his number, and I believe that he’s not a big heavyweight, which I think helps him in this particular fight.
"I just think he has the IQ that Tyson Fury won’t be able to keep up and withstand as time or rounds go on.
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Highlights: Usyk defeats Fury to become undisputed heavyweight champion
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I like Usyk, possibly by stoppage late, and not from a punch, I think it will just be a mercy call by the referee."
Since winning the initial fight, the unbeaten Usyk has vacated the IBF crown. However, he still holds the WBA, WBO, WBC and Ring Magazine belts, which will be on the line in the rematch.
Fury will be looking to avenge what was the first defeat of his professional career.
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